Advice for new PA transplant

[Tups]

Leisinring patterns:

Leisenring’s Favorite Twelve Wet Flies in list form and photos

Last winter I posted a very popular series, James Leisenring’s Favorite Twelve wet flies, from his book The Art of Tying the Wet Fly. What was missing was a single reference list of the dozen…

currentseams.com

 

[discomidge]

We're getting close to the time of the year where you could successfully nymph only one pattern - some kind of egg - for like 4 or 5 months straight. Not that I like it exactly, but it does make fly selection easy.

 

[Bamboozle]

I really really appreciate this, hopefully one day we will cross paths out there, would you suggest I got with an 8 or 8,6 then 5tw im guessing still would be the go to ? Is there any models you are fond of that arent crazy expensive in an 8 or 8,6 4 or 5wt? ill start making up flies of all of those patterns asap.

In my book, a 5wt is ideal for anything except trying to throw really big or heavy flies. None of the flies I fish in the Lehigh Valley fit that description.

I can't help you with 5wt rod models in the 8'0" - 8'6" length as I'm not up on current offerings but I'd start by taking a drive to Cabela's in Hamburg where you could at least waggle a few rods in YOUR price range to get an idea of what you might like.

If you drill things down to a few particular rods, you can always ask for opinions on those rods BEFORE pulling the trigger. And IF you later decide on a rod you saw at Cabela's, you can always order it so you don't have to drive back to the store.

Another thing, long booming casts and crazy flies are NOT required on the trout streams in the Lehigh Valley so don't shy away from more moderate action rods like fiberglass if that sort of action appeals to you.

If the freshwater trout fishing becomes an addiction there will ALWAYS be more rods to buy. 😉 However I could fish the streams here (and a lot of other similarly sized streams) with nothing but an 8'0" - 8'6" 5wt rod for the rest of my life and never feel the need for anything else.

Good luck!

 

[derkoberko]

Hey there! pretty new to PA and just getting back into fishing in the lehigh valley (bath, bethlehem) area. I come from long island originally so im use to kayak fly fishing with way heavier equipment for striped bass ( though tbh I was mainly a surfcasting afficionado) so this freshwater stuff is pretty much french to me. I figured id drop by here and ask for some advice for a beginner setup for trout locally monocacy, little lehigh (any other spots suggested) in regards to rod length and weight, fly weight size limits for said rod and fly sizes/patterns. I have been reading the keystone fly fishing book but figured id see what the thoughts were here.
Apologize for the stream of conciousness style in advance...so many questions.

So most of the time it seems a 9ft 5wt is suggested and I wondered if that sentiment still holds true? What are the typical limits with that in regards to:

dry flies ( how small of hook size? is there a specific size range I should stay in to cast effectively?)
small streamers (same question is a 5wt suitable to tossing some streamers if so should I stay in a certain size range and avoid weighted or beaded head versions?)
nymphs and beadhead nymphs ( is there a certain size I should stay around and weight I should stay under for tungsten beads?)

Then I wonder if in the long run something like a 4wt with lighter dry flies might be a bit more engaging and fun?
I was looking at the clearwater outfit which seems to be pretty well regarded for not a huge investment.

In regards to whatever size rod is suggested is there some must tie patterns and sizes I should look at to use with that rod for around here?

I really appreciate any advice.

Emmaus here, willing to point you in any direction you need. Can give you a "starter" nymph box for the area, flies that I've caught fish on around here.

 

[Oregon_OwlII]

Would an 8- 8,6 5 wt be a decent idea for bass in the Delaware?

I think those options would work, and going to a 9' 5 weight would fit in the same range. I take a 6 weight with me to big, open rivers because of the wind factor, being more likely on a larger water body. Casting is half the battle. The other half is what you tie on to the end of the proper sized tippet.

 

[Harry3]

I tie 80% of my nymphs completely weightless and 90% beadless. I use split shot most of the time below the flies (dropshot) but also above them and between them on 2 fly rigs as well. Yes it's an antiquated method according to most but it works for me and I enjoy fishing that way. I completely hate the sight of a beadhead nymph and I only use them on droppers in a dry dropper system.

 

[fishingdad88]

Leisinring patterns:

Leisenring’s Favorite Twelve Wet Flies in list form and photos

Last winter I posted a very popular series, James Leisenring’s Favorite Twelve wet flies, from his book The Art of Tying the Wet Fly. What was missing was a single reference list of the dozen…

currentseams.com

Ive been reading a ton about him lately I was thinking of starting with a three pronged approach lol , flies from the Dave Hughes wet fly book, stuff off bamboozles list, and a mixture of leisenring and north country spider patterns , any of his patterns you find especially productive ?

 

[fishingdad88]

Emmaus here, willing to point you in any direction you need. Can give you a "starter" nymph box for the area, flies that I've caught fish on around here.

That would be awesome and I really appreciate that would it be easier for me to shoot you a message here to discuss what patterns I should tie up?

 

[fishingdad88]

In my book, a 5wt is ideal for anything except trying to throw really big or heavy flies. None of the flies I fish in the Lehigh Valley fit that description.

I can't help you with 5wt rod models in the 8'0" - 8'6" length as I'm not up on current offerings but I'd start by taking a drive to Cabela's in Hamburg where you could at least waggle a few rods in YOUR price range to get an idea of what you might like.

If you drill things down to a few particular rods, you can always ask for opinions on those rods BEFORE pulling the trigger. And IF you later decide on a rod you saw at Cabela's, you can always order it so you don't have to drive back to the store.

Another thing, long booming casts and crazy flies are NOT required on the trout streams in the Lehigh Valley so don't shy away from more moderate action rods like fiberglass if that sort of action appeals to you.

If the freshwater trout fishing becomes an addiction there will ALWAYS be more rods to buy. 😉 However I could fish the streams here (and a lot of other similarly sized streams) with nothing but an 8'0" - 8'6" 5wt rod for the rest of my life and never feel the need for anything else.

Good luck!

Excellent luckily the orvis recon and clear water both come in 5wt 8,6 so that's an easy choice. Hopefully we run into each other some day out there ! I appreciate your time!

 

[fishingdad88]

We're getting close to the time of the year where you could successfully nymph only one pattern - some kind of egg - for like 4 or 5 months straight. Not that I like it exactly, but it does make fly selection easy.

That's totally valid I'll tie some of those upas well!

 

[fishingdad88]

If you are going to be using a 9ft 5wt rod, I don’t see any reason you can’t nymph with beaded size 12-20 nymphs. It’s not like you will be false casting a lot since you are nymphing. I do this with a 4wt rod.

Got it, I was looking at a lot of traditional winged and soft hackle sets as well, idk why they are very appealing

 

[fishingdad88]

I am not suggesting you spend $200. On this classic, “the Art of Tying the Wet Fly” but if you search Jim Leisinring you will find his fly patterns. He was an old timer who fished the Lehigh Valley and Pocono streams, and wrote the book on it.

I'll see if I can find a PDF or reprint , is there any indispensable patterns of his you'd suggest to start with / sizes ?

He seems to take a lot of influence from the north country style of fly which is awesome.

Maybe I'll get some of the tenkara style in there too just generalist patterns in proper color.

 

[Bamboozle]

Ive been reading a ton about him lately I was thinking of starting with a three pronged approach lol , flies from the Dave Hughes wet fly book, stuff off bamboozles list, and a mixture of leisenring and north country spider patterns , any of his patterns you find especially productive ?

FWIW - The three soft hackle/spiders on my list (Hare's Ear Soft Hackle, Partridge & Peacock Soft Hackle, Snipe & Purple or Starling & Purple Soft Hackle have been excellent searching patterns for me locally, fished traditionally or under an indicator.

I also regularly fish a version of the Snipe & Purple or Starling & Purple in a size 18 that I make with purple colored wire instead of thread. The wire adds a tiny bit of flash & weight. I often fish these on a dropper under a dry fly like a size 16 Elk Wing Caddis.

If you are going to be using a 9ft 5wt rod, I don’t see any reason you can’t nymph with beaded size 12-20 nymphs. It’s not like you will be false casting a lot since you are nymphing. I do this with a 4wt rod.

In regards to Jim's comments, I agree 100%. I fish Bead Head Prince Nymphs and Bead Head Flash Back Gold Ribbed Hares Ear nymphs all the time, sometimes as big as a size 10 on 5wts and even on 3wts with zero issues.

Just make sure that you adjust or swap your leader accordingly from a dry fly leader (something longer and more supple) to something shorter with a heavier tippet and you will be fine.

The same thing goes for streamers and any other heavier or more wind resistant fly.

 

[fishingdad88]

FWIW - The three soft hackle/spiders on my list (Hare's Ear Soft Hackle, Partridge & Peacock Soft Hackle, Snipe & Purple or Starling & Purple Soft Hackle have been excellent searching patterns for me locally, fished traditionally or under an indicator.

I also regularly fish a version of the Snipe & Purple or Starling & Purple in a size 18 that I make with purple colored wire instead of thread. The wire adds a tiny bit of flash & weight. I often fish these on a dropper under a dry fly like a size 16 Elk Wing Caddis.



In regards to Jim's comments, I agree 100%. I fish Bead Head Prince Nymphs and Bead Head Flash Back Gold Ribbed Hares Ear nymphs all the time, sometimes as big as a size 10 on 5wts and even on 3wts with zero issues.

Just make sure that you adjust or swap your leader accordingly from a dry fly leader (something longer and more supple) to something shorter with a heavier tippet and you will be fine.

The same thing goes for streamers and any other heavier or more wind resistant fly.

For the starling and purple or other patterns that tend to use pearsalls is there a comparable silk you've found diameter wise ? I think ive seen some mention of YLI brand.

Something about those older sparse wet flies soft hackle/spider patterns and winged wet flies just is super appealing.

I've been looking at the light /dark Spanish needle for little black stones but I haven't got the experience to see a pattern tied in 14 and know how to scale the materials down for like a 16 or 18 diameter wise ( thread etc )

 

[Bamboozle]

For the starling and purple or other patterns that tend to use pearsalls is there a comparable silk you've found diameter wise ? I think ive seen some mention of YLI brand.

Something about those older sparse wet flies soft hackle/spider patterns and winged wet flies just is super appealing.

I've been looking at the light /dark Spanish needle for little black stones but I haven't got the experience to see a pattern tied in 14 and know how to scale the materials down for like a 16 or 18 diameter wise ( thread etc )

Fortunately for me I have a suitable stash of Pearsall's Gossamer so I don't expect to need a substitute anytime soon.

I hear the YLI is good but slightly thicker and not available in the same colors./shades but it way less expensive than vintage spools of Pearsall's and I'm sure the fish won't care.

There is also Morus Silk in the UK which is probably the closest right down to the spool size. It is tougher to get but they do have a dealer (stockist) listed in Canada but I'm not sure if they have inventory.

Another worthy replacement is Ephemera from 54 Dean Street in France which is also tough to get.

 

[falcon]

I have Pearsalls in primrose, green and orange. I recently bought a spool of wine colored silk up in the Catskills called Ephemera 54DS - France. Cost about 6.00.

 

[fishingdad88]

Fortunately for me I have a suitable stash of Pearsall's Gossamer so I don't expect to need a substitute anytime soon.

I hear the YLI is good but slightly thicker and not available in the same colors./shades but it way less expensive than vintage spools of Pearsall's and I'm sure the fish won't care.

There is also Morus Silk in the UK which is probably the closest right down to the spool size. It is tougher to get but they do have a dealer (stockist) listed in Canada but I'm not sure if they have inventory.

Another worthy replacement is Ephemera from 54 Dean Street in France which is also tough to get.

I just ordered a boatload of ephemera I will report back with pics once Ive tied some stuff up so if people search they have a reference.

 

[fishingdad88]

I have Pearsalls in primrose, green and orange. I recently bought a spool of wine colored silk up in the Catskills called Ephemera 54DS - France. Cost about 6.00.

Sounds right I just bought a bunch from fly artist seems to be a good alternative.

 

[Tups]

I use both Pearsalls and Ephemera. They are comparable and come in similar colors.

 

[fishingdad88]

Emmaus here, willing to point you in any direction you need. Can give you a "starter" nymph box for the area, flies that I've caught fish on around here.

Awesome yeah let me know! love to hear it